For the third time in the last four years, Naparima College are champions in the South Zone of the Secondary Schools Football League. But for more than one reason, this season's triumph was the toughest of the lot to achieve.
"Naps" had to defend a one-point lead for four straight games in order to hold off Princes Town Senior Comprehensive who played unbeaten in the second round of the competition, winning their last six matches on the trot.
Thursday's 2-0 win in Mahaica over Vessigny Secondary finally clinched it for the defending champs.
"This year was very close in South," Naparima manager Roy Jagroopsingh said yesterday.
"The interest in the League went right down to the wire. We are very happy to come out on top."
Asked what contributed to the team's eventual success, Jagroopsingh noted that: "A lot has to do with the commitment of the players. We played under trying circumstances. We were under heavy manners with injury.
On Thursday, Naps were forced to play without skipper Dezi Lara in defence because of a knee injury, striker Kern Robinson and Kern Peters who was on suspension.
Throughout the season, Naparima have been forced to make adjustments of one kind or another. More than once they had to do without their most influential player, playmaker/striker Kezi Lara because of red card trouble for instance.
"The younger fellows I have to compliment them," Jagroopsingh said. "They played their part. I'm extremely proud of them."
The manager also gave credit to the technical staff who he said, "used their knowledge to the best of their ability. There were times that we had to improvise."
Having secured a place in the national Big Five playoffs once more, Naps will be hoping that the team effort that has got them this far will be enough to overcome the winners of today's lone quarter-final clash between Tobago Zone champions Scarborough Secondary and Presentation College Chaguanas, winners of the Central Zone. Naparima will meet the victors in the semi-finals next Wednesday.
17